Mower Sparks 27-Acre Fire at Old Champion Mill Site in Roseburg
A commercial mower sparked a 27-acre natural cover fire Tuesday afternoon at the old Champion Mill site on NE Diamond Lake Boulevard. Firefighters stopped the spread, fully lined the fire and protected nearby homes and businesses.
ROSEBURG, Ore. — A fast-moving natural cover fire burned 27 acres Tuesday afternoon in the 2400 block of NE Diamond Lake Boulevard before firefighters were able to stop its spread.
The fire was reported at 12:40 p.m. on June 16. Crews from the Roseburg Fire Department, Douglas Forest Protective Association and Central Douglas Fire & Rescue responded to the area, which is a vacant lot previously known as the old Champion Mill site.
Firefighters arrived to find about four acres of dry vegetation burning. Officials said the fire was wind-driven and spreading quickly. It eventually grew to 27 acres before forward spread was stopped.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire was 100% lined and 100% plumbed. Crews were expected to remain on scene through the afternoon and into the evening for mop-up work.
Officials said the fire did not threaten homes or other structures. Firefighters were able to keep it from spreading to nearby residential and commercial areas.
A dozer from DFPA and another dozer from Sierra Pacific Industries helped build fire line around the full perimeter of the fire.
Roseburg Fire Department responded with eight firefighters, two chief officers, two Type 6 wildland engines, three Type 1 engines, two fire investigators and two incident command vehicles.
Central Douglas Fire & Rescue provided a chief officer, 10 firefighters, four Type 6 wildland engines and a water tender. DFPA responded with two Type 6 wildland engines, one Type 3 engine, a dozer, a Cessna airplane, firefighters and overhead command staff.
Officials said the fire was caused by a commercial mower doing regular maintenance on the property.
The Roseburg Fire Department, DFPA and Central Douglas Fire & Rescue are reminding the public that fire danger is currently moderate across Douglas County and that people should follow all current fire restrictions.
Other assisting agencies included the Roseburg Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Avista Utilities, Pacific Power and landowner resources.
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